CHAPTER V.

CHARLES was now nine years of age. His mother and myself had delighted ourselves with observing and forward- ing the opening of his infant mind, and had hitherto been
40 TRAVELS OP ST. LEON.
contented with the assistance of a neighbouring priest by way of preceptor. But, as he was our only son, we were desirous that he should obtain every advantage of educa- tion. We were neither of us illiterate ; but, in the course of twenty-three years, which had elapsed since I was myself of Charles's age, the progress of literature and the literary passion in Europe had been astonishingly great, and I was anxious that he should realise in his own person every benefit which the fortunate and illustrious period of human affairs in which he began to exist seemed to hold out to him. Beside, there was an impetuosity and forwardness in his character, that seemed ill to brook the profound soli- tude and retirement in which his mother and I were con- tented to live. His case demanded companions of his own age, a little world of fellow-beings, with whom he might engage in their petty business and cares, with whose pas- sions his own might jostle or might sympathise, who might kindle his emulation, and open to him the field of fraternal associations and amity.
There was, however, a considerable difficulty attendant on this question. The schools of real literature in France, where languages were properly taught, and science might be acquired, were at this time exceedingly few. The nearest university was that of Toulouse, at the distance of twenty-six leagues. This was, practically speaking, as far from us as Paris itself. Was then our darling child to be torn from his parents, from all he was accustomed to see, and all by whom he was loved, to be planted in the midst of strangers, to have his mind excited to observation, and the spirit of generous contention roused, at the risk of suppressing the tender affections of his soul, and the senti- ments of duty, reliance, and love ? There seemed, however, to be no alternative. It was necessary that a temporary separation should take place. Intellectual improvement was a point by all means to be pursued ; and we must direct our efforts to keep alive along with it those winning qua- lities, and that softness of heart, which had hitherto ren- dered Charles so eminently our delight. Such were our fond speculations and projects for the future.
It was at length determined that I should proceed along
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with him to Paris. I could there observe upon the spot the state of the university, and the means of learning that existed in the metropolis ; and could consult with some of those eminent luminaries with whom I had become ac- quainted at the house of the Marquis de Damville. Mar- guerite declined accompanying me upon this occasion. Her father was dead: she could not think of quitting her daugh- ters for any considerable time ; and our nuptial engagement of residing always in the country gave her a repugnance to the removing with her whole family to Paris. It was left probable that she might come to me when the business was settled,, if at that time it was determined to leave her son at the capital ; and that she might then reconduct me to the place, which had been the scene of all my happiness, but which I was destined never to revisit in peace.
Preliminaries being at length fully adjusted in the man- ner that appeared suitable to the importance of the occasion, I set off for the metropolis of my country, which I had seen only once, and that for a very short period, in the course of ten years. That visit had been produced by a very me- lancholy circumstance, the death of the Marquis de Dam- ville. Marguerite and myself had then been summoned, and arrived at his hotel but a few days before he expired. Though extremely weakened by the mortal disease under which he laboured, he retained all the faculties of his mind, and conversed with us in the most affectionate and endear- ing terms. He congratulated us upon our mutual felicity; nor could the situation in which we found him, upon the brink of an everlasting oblivion of all earthly things, abate the sincerity and fervour of his delight. He thanked me for my carriage and conduct as a husband, which, he said, might with propriety be held up as a model to the human species. He applauded himself for that mingled discern- ment and determination, which, as he affirmed, had so opportunely secured my virtue and his daughter's happiness. He trusted that I was now sufficiently weaned from those habits which had formerly given him so much alarm. At the same time he conjured me, by every motive that an overflowing enthusiasm could suggest, to persist in my good resolutions, and never to change that residence, where I
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had found every degree of delight of which the human mind is in its present condition susceptible. "Do not/' said he, "be drawn aside by ambition; do not be dazzled by the gli tter of idle pomp and decoration ; do not enter the re- motest circle of the vortex of dissipation ! Live in the midst of your family; cultivate domestic affection; be the solace and joy of your wife; watch for the present and future welfare of your children; and be assured that you will then be found no contemptible or unbeneficial member of the community at large ! "
Such were the last advices of the Marquis de Damville. Excellent man ! how ill were your lessons remembered ! how iU your kindness remunerated ! He died in the sixth year of our marriage. The serious impression which this event produced in my mind gave me small inclination to enter into any species of society, and disposed me to quit Paris as soon as every respect had been paid to the obse- quies of the deceased.
Upon my arrival in the metropolis on the present occa- sion, I immediately sought to renew my acquaintance with those amiable and eminent persons, who had for the most